5 teachers and 29 students went for a Shakespeare picnic in For Canning Park. We were lucky, when we arrived the rain stopped. The set was spectacular, the students in high spirit - some wearing masks - bringing lots of picnic food and drinks. Much Ado about Nothing was set in a Peranekan style.
The higher levels , Upper Intermediate and Advanced understood some of the Shakespearean language and understood most of the story as they had read through a synopsis and discussed it in class.
However, for the lower levels the play was difficult to understand but all seemed to enjoy an evening with friends in a nice atmosphere. Some even said it was spectacular.
Student quotes:
The play was a little difficult to understand, but the atmosphere was very nice. I should have studied more about the play. Motoko, Advanced (Japan)
I enjoyed the play very much even I couldn't understand it all, nice atmosphere, good to se everybody in our school. I if there is something like this next time I'd like to join. Meena, Advanced. (Laos)
To tell the truth, it was my first experience of participating in such a wonderful open-air theatre. I do think that is much better than sitting inside a building and just watch a programme. You have so much pleasure having picnic with nice company - have a glass of wine, put on an amazing mask, have a chat during the break and discuss the play. All these things give you enjoyment. Jill, Advanced. (Kazakhstan)
The surge of enthusiastic acting was enough and the wonderful atmosphere was just the icing on the cake. Kris, Advanced. (China)
It was the first time for me to see an out-door performance in Singapore. I read the story at home so I could enjoy the play with my family. Especially the actor who played Benedict was very funny. I had a good time if I have another chance I would like to join again. Amy, Advanced. (Korea)
It was an awesome play, which showed Shakespeare and Singapore culture in a good mix. Especially, I loved the stage setting and costumes. Even though it was hard to understand the English it wasn't any problem to understand the story and jokes, because my teacher always tried to translate and explain kindly to us. Young, Upper-Intermediate pm (Korea)
It was my first fantastic experience to enjoy such a wonderful, funny Shakespeare performance in an open field together with my friends. The show was very beautiful and it was even more enjoyable because everybody ate some snacks and drank a glass of wine. It's hard to describe how happy I was at that moment. Josefine, Upper-Intermediate pm (Indonesia)
I like going out with my class and the picnic was great even I don't understand almost all. Anyway I liked it!!!! I hope we can go out one time a week in class time Ha, ha, ha. Marie, Upper-Intermediate am (Korea)
Thaipusam 8 February 2009
Sunday 8th February we -about 25-30 students with friends, teachers and even a few old students - set out from Bugis to experience Thaipusam, one of Singapore's most colourful and bizarre festivals.
It was a really hot day and some students started to get impatient but when the first devotee arrived with spikes through his cheeks and tongue and hooks on his bodies everybody forgot the heat. Most students were amazed and some horrified.
We followed the procession all the way to the Hindu temple in Tanks Road where we could see priests taking out the spikes and hooks. The most fascinating was that no blood was spilt. After taking lots of photos and discussing why they were doing it and why it didn't bleed we split up and went home.
All in all an unforgettable and interesting day. Please read our students reactions below, they are fascinating! Annie Participants
On 8th February, at first I went to the road where the devotees were parading with my teacher and classmates. After a few minutes the devotees came with some people who may be their families and friends. They were piercing needles which were thick like a skewer . It made me really horrified. When we reached the final destination, we saw the devotees had their decorations taken off. When they had needles pulled out ,they didn’t bleed. It was unbelievable. An Indian lady said that the devotees had prepared for three months and had special preparation such as fasting for a month, I felt that I saw a latent power and ability of human. I think Thaipusam is certainly a quite unnatural event. But it was unforgettable and incredible for me. Risa Sakamoto,
Upper Intermediate class
I've my first experience of Thaipusam. I looked some photos about Thaipusam before. But I saw them by my eyes today. It was really horrifying. They were piercing metal spikes and skewers around their body. It was incredible! Actually I didn't understand their purpose. They pierced their tongues so they couldn't put in them in mouth. Of course, they couldn't speak and eat to. I was really surprised. It was so memorable and impressive to everybody. Today is an unforgettable day for me. Naoko, Intermediate
Last Sunday, I went to see "Thaipusam which is the sensational Hindu festival with my classmates. I thought they were proud of themselves who could take part. What I was surprised most about it was some old men took part in it. They also carries 'Cavadi' similar to the other devotee and looked very powerful. Nowadays we cannot see such an amazing festival except in Singapore and Malaysia. By the way, it became one of the most unforgettable memories in Singapore for me. Minako Murayama,
Upper Intermediate
Looking back what was the most impressive thing in the festival are their extraordinary faith in the Gods and mental strength, and their families’ strong support; it seems the same as the festival of Ramadan for Muslims, If someone asked me whether I preferred to take part in the festival, I would say “yes,, but only with a few small spikes, please” Tomoko Kurahashi,
Upper Intermediate Class
CHRISTMAS GRADUATION PARTY ‘08
ASCEND students, teachers and staff ended the year in style with our Christmas Graduation party on Thursday December the 18th.
As you can see from the photos from the party we had lots of fun and laughter with students joining in the festive mood singing Christmas carols, playing games and eating the delicious food. We had 134 students graduating from 10 classes, a record number. All our students wished each other Merry Christmas in 10 different languages reflecting the countries our students come from. It was a wonderful day.
You can see the pictures of the students with their teachers after they received their certificates. Prizes were also awarded to the top student and most improved student in each class. Wan Wan Lie got a special prize for this wonderful video on Halloween which you can view below under Halloween.
Ascend students, teachers and staff celebrated Halloween 2008 in some style! Read what our Elementary student Wan Wan Lie said about the day. Also, and read an extract from an interview with Wan Wan Lie about the wonderful video he made and watch an extract from the video (video download)
"It's such an excitement to be able to join English class in Ascend School. The teachers here are so close with their students. They also have a great sense of humour.
During Halloween celebration, all students wore funny costumes. We had fun with our friends in class. We also had meals together. Each student brought their country's traditional food. Victoria, our teacher, also wore a very nice costume. We could not forget every moment of our study time together in this school.
I invite all of you who have intention to learn English to join us in this school. If you are looking for a place to learn English, you don't need to look any further- our school is the right place for you.
Thank You."
Wan Wan Lie
Interview with Wan Wan Lie
Qn: Why did you make the video?
Ans: I made it for a gift and to remember. It was a gift to the students so they remember as well.
Qn: How long have you been making videos?
Ans: I have been making videos for one year.
Qn: What made you interested in filming?
Ans: I got interested when I was in school in Indonesia.
Qn: What did you think of the Halloween celebration at Ascend?
Ans: It was fun! It was also the first time I celebrated Halloween.
Qn: What did you remember most about the day?
Ans: The really nice costumes and I know other students from other classes.
Qn: Are you going to make a Christmas video?
Ans: Ha Ha (laughs) . Okay!
Qn: Just one last question. Out of curiosity, how much did your video camera cost?
Ans: I cant remember exactly. It’s about four-thousand dollars.
Singapore National Day Parade 2008 9th August
Linda, Ascend's intermediate EGL teacher, and her students went to celebrate and experience Singapore National Day on the 9th of August. Read what Linda students had to day about their day!
"I had been in Singapore for many times, but it was the first time to stay here more than 10 days and have a chance to enjoy the celebration of the National Day. It was really a deep impression. We watched the excellent battle plane show, exciting fireworks and neon light show. Actually there were many other shows that day, but it was difficult to watch every one. I think the most important thing for everyone is to enjoy the celebration atmosphere and relax from busy work".
Zhang Shu Feng
Intermediate (Term 3, AM)
"On Singapore National Day, we had a wonderful trip altogether. At first, we arranged to meet each others at City Hall station. Unfortunately, we didn't think that there were such many people come so we were in a very hot atmosphere. After that, we walked to a river. There was very loud music and a crowd just like some rock shows I had enjoyed before. Music made me wanted to be nuts and I thought it would be great.
At the river side, it started raining and we started getting lost very well because of the crowd. People parted into 2 groups and lost touch. More than an hour later, we luckily saw each others again. We were really happy at that moment like we hadn't seen for ages. Right after that, we decided to finish our food to celebrate seeing each others again. While we were eating, some aeroplanes suddenly flew pass by. We all leapt out and screamed. The aeroplanes flew around and around, up and down. They made a big heart in the sky with their smoke. I was very disappointed when the 2 aeroplanes from 2 sides rushed into each others but there was no crash because they dodged beautifully.
After the aeroplanes, we waited for a fireworks scene but we were very hungry and "flat" so we decided to enjoy the fireworks by walking along the lake to the food court. The fireworks came out when we were moving slowly. It was very nice. People took photos, filmed videos and screamed again. There were thousands and thousands of people and it was really crowded. We even went a wrong way so it took a very long time to go to the food court. We had dinner and laughed together."
Tran The Anh
Intermediate (Term 3, AM)
Trip to Pallada – Russian Frigate Friday July 4th 2008
On the morning of the 4th July the morning Pre-Intermediate and the afternoon Intermediate classes went to see the Russian Frigate, from Vladivostok - a beautiful training ship.
We were searched before boarding and when we left too but when we got on we were greeted in a real polite serious Russian manner and treated very nicely.
We had a guided tour on the ship and went on the commando bridge too.
The ship has 3 masts – mesan, main and for mast, the main mast is 50 m tall. She has 24 sails and 2 engines, about 120 cadets, 30 crew members and 14 officers. For full sail Pallada has a maximum speed of 18 knots
They only use the engines when they go in and out of a harbour the rest of the time they sail for sails.
The Pallada had a little, interesting useum too and it turned out it was the Pallada’s 19th birthday today.
The cadets are training onboard for about one year. They work in two groups. One day one group is studying and one group is working and the next day they change.
When the cadets are finished they are probably going to work in the merchant marine or the fishing fleet of Russia.
Next destination is Shanghai, then Nagasaki and then Pusan.
The young handsome sailors, in their traditional sailors outfit were charming. They chatted and flirted with our students and our students asked a lot of questions.I must say our students spoke better English than the Russian sailors.
We had a great day with lots and lots of photos – of course. Read the write ups from our students under their class work
TERM 3 GRADUATION PARTY '08
ASCEND ended Term 3 2008 on September 18th with an awesome party and a delicious feast!
Students celebrated with friends and schoolmates upon receiving their certificates from their teachers. Teachers joined the party as well and everyone had a great time.
After the certificate presentation ceremony in each classroom, students and teachers headed for a fantastic lunch and desserts.
We would like to congratulate all students on their completion of Term 3. We also look forward to a great term 4 and a fantastic year end Graduation with a smashing Christmas Party on the 18th of December 2008!
St Patrick's Day Parade, Singapore - 16 March 2008
St Patrick's Day is the National Day of Ireland and falls on the 17th March each year. ASCEND students and staff will once again participate in this year's St Patrick’s Day parade in Singapore led by St Patrick in his unique attire. At 3.30pm, students, staff and their family will join in the parade and march from the riverfront of Boat Quay near the new Parliament building and end up at the opposite side of the river next to UOB Plaza. A crowd of over 3,000 people is expected and they can look forward to performances from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Band, the SPF Ladies Pipe and Drum Band, St Joseph’s Institution Pipes and Drums, the LaSalle-SIA percussion band and the St. Patrick’s School Band. Irish dancers and musicians all the way from Ireland will add colour and activity to this cross-cultural celebration.
"Thaipusam 2008 "
Here are some of the essays that our students wrote about their experiences during Thipusam 2008.
I didn't pass out at a road.
Written by Hong 22nd Jan. 2008
Before I went to the 2008 Thaipusam Festival in Singapore, I had found the information what the Thaipusam is.
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January or February). Pusam refers to a star that is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates both the birthday of Lord Murugan (also Subramaniam), the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati, and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel(lance) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. (I will omit the details.)
On January 22nd, I went to the the roads and temple that was holding the Thaipusam festival with beautiful teacher 'Annie' and lovely classmates. We had gathered at school and went to the roads where many devotees were parading. About 15 minutes later, we had arrived at the middle of the way to the temple, the destination of the parade. A flock of devotees who had been piercing something into their skin on the chest and back were parading and going to the temple. After we watched for a little while, we followed the parades in order to go to the temple together with them. While we were going to the temple, I received the foods and drinks from supporters of festival.
We arrived at the temple since we had walked for about 30 minutes. At that time, I was very surprised at amazing spectacles of festival. There were many devotees, their family and tourists anticipating in the festival. Especially, I felt faint a little bit and couldn't see when I saw the devotees had needles and hooks pulled out from their chest and skin. It made me horrified and dizzied a little bit, but now, I think it will be the most memorable and unforgettable scenes during my lifetime.
5 teachers and 29 students went for a Shakespeare picnic in For Canning Park. We were lucky, when we arrived the rain stopped. The set was spectacular, the students in high spirit - some wearing masks - bringing lots of picnic food and drinks. Much Ado about Nothing was set in a Peranekan style.
The higher levels , Upper Intermediate and Advanced understood some of the Shakespearean language and understood most of the story as they had read through a synopsis and discussed it in class.
However, for the lower levels the play was difficult to understand but all seemed to enjoy an evening with friends in a nice atmosphere. Some even said it was spectacular.
The play was a little difficult to understand, but the atmosphere was very nice. I should have studied more about the play.
To tell the truth, it was my first experience of participating in such a wonderful open-air theatre. I do think that is much better than sitting inside a building and just watch a programme. You have so much pleasure having picnic with nice company - have a glass of wine, put on an amazing mask, have a chat during the break and discuss the play. All these things give you enjoyment. 
It was the first time for me to see an out-door performance in Singapore. I read the story at home so I could enjoy the play with my family. Especially the actor who played Benedict was very funny. I had a good time if I have another chance I would like to join again.
It was my first fantastic experience to enjoy such a wonderful, funny Shakespeare performance in an open field together with my friends. The show was very beautiful and it was even more enjoyable because everybody ate some snacks and drank a glass of wine. It's hard to describe how happy I was at that moment.
Sunday 8th February we -about 25-30 students with friends, teachers and even a few old students - set out from Bugis to experience Thaipusam, one of Singapore's most colourful and bizarre festivals.
On 8th February, at first I went to the road where the devotees were parading with my teacher and classmates. After a few minutes the devotees came with some people who may be their families and friends. They were piercing needles which were thick like a skewer . It made me really horrified. When we reached the final destination, we saw the devotees had their decorations taken off. When they had needles pulled out ,they didn’t bleed. It was unbelievable. An Indian lady said that the devotees had prepared for three months and had special preparation such as fasting for a month, I felt that I saw a latent power and ability of human. I think Thaipusam is certainly a quite unnatural event. But it was unforgettable and incredible for me.
Last Sunday, I went to see "Thaipusam which is the sensational Hindu festival with my classmates. I thought they were proud of themselves who could take part. What I was surprised most about it was some old men took part in it. They also carries 'Cavadi' similar to the other devotee and looked very powerful. Nowadays we cannot see such an amazing festival except in Singapore and Malaysia. By the way, it became one of the most unforgettable memories in Singapore for me.
ASCEND students, teachers and staff ended the year in style with our Christmas Graduation party on Thursday December the 18th.
You can see the pictures of the students with their teachers after they received their certificates. Prizes were also awarded to the top student and most improved student in each class. Wan Wan Lie got a special prize for this wonderful video on Halloween which you can view below under Halloween.
During Halloween celebration, all students wore funny 
costumes. We had fun with our friends in class. We also had meals together. Each student brought their country's traditional food. Victoria, our teacher, also wore a very nice costume. We could not forget every moment of our study time together in this school.
Linda, Ascend's intermediate EGL teacher, and her students went to celebrate and experience Singapore National Day on the 9th of August. Read what Linda students had to day about their day!
but it was difficult to watch every one. I think the most important thing for everyone is to enjoy the celebration atmosphere and relax from busy work".
shows I had enjoyed before. Music made me wanted to be nuts and I thought it would be great.
On the morning of the 4th July the morning Pre-Intermediate and the afternoon Intermediate classes went to see the Russian Frigate, from Vladivostok - a beautiful training ship. 
ASCEND ended Term 3 2008 on September 18th with an awesome party and a delicious feast!
stic lunch and desserts.
